SHOW NOTES
Why does making strategic career moves in retail sometimes feel like navigating a labyrinth? Because… it is one?
(Yeah, we said it.)
If you’re seeking refreshingly blunt truths about advancing your career, this episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS is a must-listen.
Ron’s guest Kate Sargent, founder and Principle of KJS Career Coaching & Consulting, brings over 20 years of leadership in People Ops, Organizational Development, and Talent Acquisition from top brands like The Citizenry, Allbirds, Method, and The North Face.
Known for her straightforward empathetic approach, Kate delivers the honest, actionable guidance that most career coaches can’t offer you (because they aren’t deep experts in your industry).
Tune in to get Kate’s candid, informed advice on self-PR, job switching, performance improvement, and staying marketable.
Kate and Host Ron dig into:
- Approaching career progression strategically, whether in-store or corporate
- Key considerations for staying in a big company vs moving to a smaller brand
- Positioning yourself for recognition
- Benefits of career coaching at different career stages, from entry-level to executive
Prepare yourself for career advice you’re unlikely to hear anywhere else.
GUEST BIO
Kate Sargent, Founder & Principle, KJS Career Coaching & Consulting
Kate Sargent is a seasoned executive with over 20 years in People Operations, Organizational Development, Talent Acquisition, and D2C Strategy within mission-driven retail and CPG companies. As founder of KJS Career Coaching & Talent Consulting and Top Executive Coaching Voice on LinkedIn, she has spent the last 8 years providing services to teams and individuals, supporting leadership, performance and career advising. Kate is currently expanding her offerings and is Co-Founder of a community centered consulting collective featuring a give-back/pro bono model.
Kate’s recent roles include VP of People Ops at The Citizenry, where she led the team through an acquisition by Havenly (2024) and scaling Global Talent Acquisition and DEIB at Allbirds (2021 IPO). Previously she built out Method’s Global Talent Acquisition and DEI functions through SCJohnson acquisition (2018) and managed talent acquisition for retail and corporate at VF Outdoor (The North Face, JanSport, lucy brands).
The foundation and core of her career were built around field leadership, running teams at Apple, Bare Escentuals, L’Occitane, and AEO. Known for strategic insight and thoughtful leadership, Kate thrives when driving business and operational strategy through people, adding a unique blend of humor, empathy, and inclusivity.
HOST BIO
Ron Thurston is the host of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS.
Ron is the co-founder of OSSY, a full-service agency platform that connects retailers, candidates, and solution providers to create thriving retail careers and businesses.
With 30+ years leading retail stores and operations for America’s most prominent brands, like Gap, Saint Laurent, Apple, Bonobos, and INTERMIX, Ron has developed a deep expertise in retail strategy, management, and innovation.
Ron is the author of RETAIL PRIDE, an Amazon bestseller that inspires retail professionals to take pride in their accidental careers. He hosts the RETAIL IN AMERICA podcast and tour, sharing the untold retail success stories and the incredible people behind them.
Ron’s work has set him up as one of the most influential voices in retail and retail tech, and he serves on the Advisory Board of YOOBIC and several emerging retail technology platforms, including Ometria, Reflex, and Vendoor.
ABOUT FRONTLINE FRIDAYS
FRONTLINE FRIDAYS WITH RON THURSTON is a live podcast for frontline leaders and advocates in retail and hospitality.
Ron Thurston has a question for leaders out there who are inspiring excellence in their frontline teams: “What do you do differently?” In this candid discussion series, he’ll sit down with them to find out. Each episode of FRONTLINE FRIDAYS offers real-world strategy from retail and hospitality change makers on frontline leadership and personal career growth.
